Trend Observation
For Autumn/Winter 2026, color trends are shifting from high-saturation visual impact to understated texture expression. Hazy Blue—a blue infused with grey undertones and saturation below 30%—emerges as a key color. Neither icy blue nor deep navy, it sits between, carrying a misty softness. This low-saturation blue is notably permeating business casual, breaking the stereotype of traditional formalwear colors.
The popularity of Hazy Blue is no accident. In the post-pandemic era, psychological demand for clothing leans toward comfort and security. Low-saturation colors reduce visual stress while maintaining professionalism. On AW26 runways, from knit cardigans to blazers, Hazy Blue appears in monochrome or tonal pairings, emphasizing fabric texture over color contrast. This "quiet luxury" style perfectly aligns with business casual's dual pursuit of comfort and appropriateness.
From color psychology, Hazy Blue conveys calm, reliability, and inclusiveness. It is easier to pair than pure blue and warmer than grey. In business casual settings, a Hazy Blue shirt or knit polo can handle video conferences and transition from office to café. This multi-scenario adaptability is the core driver of its rapid penetration.
Industry Impact
The rise of Hazy Blue triggers a chain reaction across the textile supply chain. First, dye and auxiliary suppliers must adjust formulations, as low-saturation colors demand higher color fastness and levelness. Traditional reactive dyes on cotton can cause uneven dyeing, and the grey tone of Hazy Blue requires precise color blending. This pushes factories to upgrade dyeing equipment, adopting low liquor ratio and low-tension processes to reduce color deviation.
Second, fabric development shifts. For AW26, Hazy Blue is often combined with wool, cashmere, Tencel, and recycled polyester. Woolen tweed, double-faced wool, and air-layer knits present Hazy Blue with a premium grey tone. Functional fabrics like waterproof breathable membranes also experiment with this color for business casual outerwear. Fabric mills must note that low-saturation colors are sensitive to yarn purity; impurities disrupt the uniformity of the grey tone.
In terms of supply chain, Hazy Blue's trend cycle is expected to last 2-3 years, but its penetration in business casual will be more enduring. Brands tend to include it as a basic color in year-round palettes rather than a seasonal fad. This means buyers need to establish stable color standards to avoid batch-to-batch variations. For exports, European and American markets show high acceptance of low-saturation colors, especially in Northern Europe and Japan, where Hazy Blue naturally aligns with minimalist aesthetics.